Lots of glass

The first interesting tidbit is that Apple is planning to introduce a new 5-inch model to go along with the usual 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch versions.

And design-wise, the handsets will feature all-glass backs held together by a metal frame, similar to the pictured iPhone 4. While glass is sometimes prone to shattering when dropped, the material is much more scratch resistant than anodized aluminum.

“Apple has tentatively decided that all the 5.5-inch, 5-inch and 4.7-inch models will have glass backs, departing from metal casings adopted by current iPhones, and Biel and Lens are likely to be providing all the glass backs for the new iPhones next year,” the source said.

Just like the iPhone 7 Plus and its dual-lens camera, the largest “iPhone 8” could also sport some exclusive features.

Apple’s iPhone overhaul will also see the premium 5.5-inch iPhone 8 model sporting a curved display using advanced organic light-emitting diode panels, reportedly to be supplied by embattled Samsung Electronics, while the other two handsets will stick with low-temperature poly-silicon panels adopted by iPhone 7.